Course Descriptions

GRIT 541 Video Communications

3 credits

The increasing computer power has enabled sound and video to be manipulated much the same as graphics and text to create an explosion of multimedia materials. The course provides an important perspective of video communications, giving the student practical experience with video tools in the video lab environment. Students use advanced hardware and software tools such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier. Class assignments are shared, either electronically with classmates and instructor or through cooperative planning and/or construction of video projects.

GRIT 550 Social Media

3 credits

This class provides an introduction to a variety of Web 2.0 social media tools and technologies in their usage in academic as well as corporate world. Each student will design and deliver a Web-based full analysis of a social media tool. The course emphasizes the role of emerging collaborative technologies in learning environments.

GRIT 593 Web Design for eLearning

3 credits

This is an introduction to basic principles of web design and development. Students plan, design and construct an interactive, multimedia website with eLearning content relevant to their personal or professional interest using HTML and Macromedia Dreamweaver. They acquire an understanding of Web design and usability principles in eLearning environment.

GRIT 661 Studio TV: Introduction

3 credits

Students script and direct a studio interview using production techniques, such as camera operation, lighting, graphics, audio, and staging components of a state-of-the-art studio production environment. The class is application-based and students work in teams to plan and develop short quality TV presentations. They are required to participate in all productions and critically evaluate their final projects. Prerequisite: GRIT 541

GRIT 598 Scientific Inquiry: Tools for Research

3 credits

This course focuses on basic elements inherent in the design and execution of qualitative and quantitative re­search projects. Its overall purpose is to introduce the student to the nature of knowledge and the process of conducting educational, technology-oriented research and its attendant methodological and ethical issues. Students develop a problem statement, review the literature, and begin to create a research design for their research projects.

GRIT 645 Introduction to Online Learning

3 credits

The purpose of this course is to guide educators and trainers in the formulation of norms and guidelines for interactive online communications in collaborative, problem-solving learning modes. Topics include: the integrity of an academic online program, alternative modes of course delivery and course delivery environments, administrative and technology requirements, faculty development, and program evaluation. Students research the literature on effective online instructional programs and work to create an effective course module for a given population.

GRIT 651 Technology-Based Learning Environments

3 credits

The focus of this course is on the competence in the choice, development and evaluation of a constructivist technology-based, project-driven learning environment. The special emphasis is placed on the characteristics of major learning management system (LMS) tools and applications. Students design and implement a plan for transforming an aspect of a learning environment. In evaluating their project they utilize observations, journals, and other data-collection strategies. They bring their project to closure with a written report on their research as well as an in-class presentation of the experience. Prerequisites: GRIT 645

GRIT 654 Cognition and Accessible Technologies

3 credits

Students examine the fundamentals of technology-based learning and gain comprehensive understanding of the integration of virtual worlds, Web 2.0 tools, podcasting, video editing software, interactive white boards, and handheld technologies. Course emphases an understanding of the learning process, and the planning and evaluation of activities that utilize these accessible technologies effectively. Students create products using the technologies while also collaborating with each other through Blackboard learning management system. The course culminates with the creation of a technology-integrated mini-unit relevant to students’ current or prospective roles in instructional technology.

GRIT 671 Principles of Instructional Design

3 credits

Project management and basic skills in instructional design and development are covered in this course. Student design projects will show the ability to link major learning theories, such as constructivism, cognitivism, and behaviorism to competent determination of instructional content, accurate identification of learner characteristics and effective instructional strategies. Class activities include extensive collaboration and adequate reflection on situations for which learning or other solutions may be required.

GRIT 685 Technology Planning

3 credits

Designed for students intending to acquire ITS certification, this course prepares students to construct a comprehensive technology plan as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education at the building and district level. Learning is project oriented as students engage in the process of constructing such a plan in an actual or hypothetical school and district and interact with technology administrators in area schools. Other leadership and administrative skills are developed as well.

GRIT 699 Image Processing in Multimedia Design

3 credits

Students apply principles of instructional and graphic design to develop multimedia graphics and images and then integrate their original graphics into a Web-based portfolio presentation. Students will be introduced to Web design and development using one of the content management systems (CMS). The course provides an introduction to digital photography as well as a focus on state-of-the-art graphics technologies such as Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Flash. Students are also required to research issues related to the ethical use and effective implementation of imagery in educational and/or corporate contexts.

GRIT 700 Technology Integration in Multimedia Development

3 credits

This introduction to multimedia initiates course participants into the theory and practice of eLearning content development. Students explore and analyze the various software and hardware technologies necessary for the creation, storage and distribution of multimedia elements. They investigate the different authoring tools used in the design of multimedia presentations as well as explore the concepts important in the design of interactive presentations. They analyze the legal and ethical issues pertaining to the use and distribution of media elements. Adobe Captivate is the required software application. Prerequisites: GRIT 541, GRIT 593

GRIT 704 Practicum and Portfolio

3 credits

This course offers students in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification Program the opportunity to complete their required site-based internship in instructional technology. Students demonstrate through their portfolios their achievement of the Pennsylvania Department of Education standards. In their preparation for the ITS Certification Interview, students demonstrate their technical expertise, organizational skills, and presentation and leadership potential. Prerequisite: GRIT 685

GRIT 710 Applied Instructional Design

3 credits

Students research current issues related to the impact of authoring software on the learning process. Flash, the popular web software for animated graphics provides the software context for this course. Relationships between creativity, copyright law, and rapidly changing technology are also examined by students in this course. Projects developed with Adobe Flash may become part of the student’s thesis research. Prerequisite: GRIT 700

GRIT 781 Selected Topics (GIC)

3 credits

This course offers an opportunity for an advanced student to develop a project in response to a specific problem. Topics are selected from current research on curricular issues, leadership, restructured organizations, distance learning or potential roles of state-of-the-art technologies in emerging environments. Participants review the literature on the selected topic, develop related technical skills, and prepare an original blueprint for the implementation of these technologies in the solution project. Students design an interactive virtual environment that they test on a given population. The results of this project form the basis for their seminar research paper.

GRIT 785 Instructional Technology and Special Education

3 credits

This course prepares prospective Instructional Technology Specialists to coach and consult with Pennsylvania educators as they accommodate the varied educational needs of learners, including those with disabilities and minorities. Students become familiar with the work of those who play key roles in the overall education process and gain insight into the ways in which technology may be accessed and used to meet those with special needs. (ITS specialization only) Prerequisites: GRIT 685

GRIT 791 Seminar in Instructional Technology

3 credits

This course is structured to provide guidance during the research process, and to provide sufficient time to complete a meaningful research project. The student who successfully completes the course will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct an original research study. Students complete and present, in both written and oral presentation formats, the results of the research projects begun in earlier courses. Prerequisite: GRIT 598

GRIT 795 Thesis Guidance (GIC)

1 credit

Students who do not complete a thesis in GRIT 791 Seminar in Instructional Technology may qualify to register for this course. Qualification depends upon the extent to which course requirements for GRIT 791 have been met as well as the circumstances that prevent the student from completing the thesis. Grade is pass/fail.

GRIT 798 Ethical Leadership and the Future

3 credits

To ensure that Instructional Technology graduates have a comprehensive understanding of the impact of technology on society, this course reviews the literature addressing social and ethical issues surrounding the use of technology, and encourages students to synthesize their knowledge in the construction of a personal philosophy that will facilitate responsible leadership in technology.

You are cordially invited to the School of Graduate Studies' Spring Information Session on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00. Faculty from each department will give program presentations, and admissions staff will explain the admissions process. Come find out about CHC's graduate degrees, enjoy refreshments and receive an application fee waiver (master's level) or a discount coupon (Psy.D.). Register today or contact Andrew at GradAdmissions@chc.edu for more information.

As part of the 22nd Annual Disntiguished Biomedical Lecture Series, cancer surgeon Gerald A. Isenberg, M.D.,
F.A.C.S., will present his lecture “Thinking Out of the Box and Into the Colon,”
on Wednesday, March 18, at 3 p.m., at the College’s East Parlor, St. Joseph
Hall.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Contact Lakshmi Atchison, PhD, director of the biomedical series at Chestnut Hill College, at latchiso@chc.edu or 215-248-7159 for more information.